Marry This Red Cherry Thumbprint Cookies recipe is a buttery and tender cookie, which is made with red candied cherries and lemon zest. It’s the perfect holiday cookie, ready in about 30 minutes, plus chilling time.
Jump to RecipeRed Cherry Thumbprint Cookies Ingredients
- 1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) salted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- Grated zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 6 Tbsp. red sanding sugar
- 12 red candied cherries, halved
How To Make Red Cherry Thumbprint Cookies
- Make the Cookie Dough: In the bowl of a mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and lemon zest and mix until combined. On low speed, add the flour and baking powder and beat until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until it is firm.
- Prep Oven and Shape Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the red sanding sugar in a small bowl.
- Assemble the Cookies: Break off tablespoon-sized pieces of the chilled dough and roll them into smooth balls. Roll each ball in the red sugar to coat, then place them on the prepared baking sheets. Gently make an indent in the center of each cookie with your thumb.
- Add Cherry and Bake: Press a cherry half, cut-side down, into each thumbprint. Bake for 13-15 minutes, until the cookies are just set around the edges but not browned.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Recipe Tips
- How do I keep the cookies from spreading? Chilling the dough for at least one hour is the most crucial step. A cold, firm dough is the secret to shortbread-style cookies that hold their classic round shape and don’t spread into flat discs in the oven.
- Can I use fresh cherries? No, you must use candied cherries (also known as glacé cherries) for this recipe. Fresh cherries would release too much water and make the cookies soggy.
- How do I make the thumbprint without cracking the cookie? It’s best to roll the chilled dough into a smooth ball in your palms first to warm it slightly. Then, press your thumb gently but firmly into the center. Minor cracks around the edge are normal and add to the homemade charm.
- What is sanding sugar? Sanding sugar has large crystals that do not dissolve during baking. This gives the cookies a beautiful, sparkling, and slightly crunchy exterior. If you can’t find it, you can roll the cookies in regular granulated sugar.
What To Serve With Cherry Thumbprint Cookies
These festive little cookies are a beautiful and delicious addition to any holiday cookie platter. They are a perfect treat on their own, or served with:
- A hot cup of tea or coffee
- A mug of rich hot chocolate
- A glass of cold milk
How To Store Cherry Thumbprint Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container, with wax or parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freeze: These cookies freeze exceptionally well. You can freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls.
Cherry Thumbprint Cookies Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
They are slightly different. Candied (or glacé) cherries are simmered in a thick sugar syrup until preserved, making them firm and chewy. Maraschino cherries are preserved in a brine and then a flavored syrup and are typically softer. For this recipe, the firmer candied cherries are ideal.
Yes, this is a very soft, buttery dough before it is chilled. Do not be tempted to add a lot more flour. The chilling step is what will make it firm and easy to handle and roll into balls.
Yes. While this recipe is for a candied cherry center, a classic thumbprint cookie is often filled with raspberry or apricot jam. If using jam, you would bake the indented cookies first, and then fill the thumbprints with jam after they come out of the oven.
Try More Recipes:
Red Cherry Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy24
servings15
minutes15
minutes110
kcalA classic, buttery shortbread-style thumbprint cookie with a hint of bright lemon, rolled in sparkling red sugar and topped with a festive candied cherry.
Ingredients
1 1/2 sticks (12 tbsp) salted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
Grated zest of 1 lemon
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
6 Tbsp. red sanding sugar
12 red candied cherries, halved
Directions
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg and lemon zest.
- On low speed, mix in the flour and baking powder until a soft dough forms.
- Wrap the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour until firm.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll the chilled dough into 1-tablespoon-sized balls.
- Roll each ball in the red sanding sugar to coat.
- Place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, make an indentation with your thumb, and press a cherry half into the center.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes, ensuring they do not brown. Cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- The most important tip for this recipe is to chill the dough for at least one hour; this is essential for the cookies to hold their shape and not spread.
- For the best texture, do not over-bake these cookies; they should be removed from the oven before the edges begin to turn golden brown to keep them soft.
- Using sanding sugar gives the cookies a beautiful sparkle, but granulated sugar can be used as a substitute.
- This dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead option for holiday baking.
